Steve McClaren believes that Mike Ashley has made a “statement of intent” after bringing in five summer signings since he was appointed back in June.

Ashley had made a public pledge to spend ahead of the last game of the season against West Ham in May.

And McClaren feels that the Toon owner has fulfilled his words by bringing in Gini Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ivan Toney, Florian Thauvin and Chancel Mbemba.

Speaking at his weekly Press conference ahead of the trip to Manchester United, McClaren was asked if the United owner had lived up to his pledge to spend and said: “Absolutely, without a shadow of doubt.

“After Mike Ashley’s words, I think people were doubting and those doubts were still there at the beginning of pre-season, especially when I first came in.

“There were a lot of doubts and comments that it was all talk, but I think the club have delivered.

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McClaren feels that United are laying the right foundations and added: “We’re going forward, and that’s what we want to do.

“It might be a while before we actually see that, but we’ve certainly got the players now and the squad has improved.

“Getting some new players was important, but after last season, you need that little injection of belief.

“The new players have brought that, and I’m absolutely delighted.

“I’m sure all the supporters are also delighted that the club have followed up on their words.”

McClaren also left the door slightly ajar for the prospect of more signings, when asked if there were more new faces to come.

He went on: “I don’t think any manager is ever entirely happy, but I’m happy with what we’ve got to work with.

“There comes a point where we just have to sit down and stop and say, ‘You know what, this is what we have, and now we have to work and develop them, and try to make them into a team that is hard to beat and no one wants to play against’.”